Tag: ecology

Fledglings

On By Mike and Christy52 Comments

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(Multiple Photos)
Well it had to happen. These two Great Horned Owl youngsters finally left the comfort of their nest cavity in an old Cottonwood tree. We first spotted a single young owl on this branch but just as we got out the camera a second flew down and joined the first. The second owl waddled around on the branch and got all cozy with their sibling who seemed a bit annoyed at having to share their perch.

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A moment latter the owl in front took a leap of faith, with eyes fully closed, and landed clumsily on the perch below.

I am not sure how adult owls handle it but watching fledgling owls learn to fly is sure a nerve wracking experience for me.

Puffed Out

On By Mike and Christy24 Comments

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All puffed out and waiting for the sun to warm things up before hitting the lake to collect bugs.

There were literally billions, well OK, there were a boat load of swallows buzzing around the lakes in North Park last weekend collecting bugs off the top of the water. We went out early one morning to catch the action but it was cold and most of the swallows were hunkered down and puffed out trying to keep warm and the sun to come out.

On the earth day earth.

On By Mike and Christy8 Comments

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Although spring had a calendar date of March 20th we have had an extended winter and this year earth day was the day that felt like spring had actually sprung.

The sun had been out for several days in a row without a flake of snow falling and the temperatures were downright warm. The snow was receding at a rapid pace and the earth became exposed. Flowers were budding and blooming all of which were no more than several inches high.

The promise of spring seemed fulfilled at last.

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Flowers blooming with life inviting the early season pollinators in for a drink.

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Pine cones alive on the forest floor and glow in the morning light.

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Not more than an inch in height the flowers came in yellow and white.

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The state butterfly Nymphalis antiopa “Mourning Cloak” basks in the sunlight on a road which only a day or two ago was covered in snow.

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And then came the day after earth day…

Common Grackle

On By Mike and Christy43 Comments

Grackle

Announcing their presence with those wonderful squeaky sounds the Grackles are back in town. Isn’t it amazing that when photographed, in just the right light, a bird that looks jet black to your eyes is actually a multi-colored work of art. And eyes as cute as buttons…or are they buttons?

Frenemy Update: where did they all come from?

On By Mike and Christy16 Comments

Well…we started the winter with one Red Squirrel which we aptly dubbed our frenemy. Now it seems that there is a squirrel in every tree. Which is not exactly as nice as a chicken in every pot.

Although it is fun to watch the daily battles for territory as one squirrel makes a quick move across the yard to the tree another squirrel is occupying and the ensuing skirmish with several squirrels running rings around the tree. I cannot tell them apart enough to see who wins and looses each battle. Which is kind of like watching a sporting event but missing the ending. I have considered trying to paint each one a different color just for reference but decided that would not bee too nice and radio collar and gps tracking are better left for more scientific pursuits.

Anyway with spring comes more red squirrels, and thus more Frenemies and given their ever increasing numbers things are moving more towards the -en than the -frien side of things these days and yes they are cute…at times.

Watching snow melt

On By Mike and Christy5 Comments

Although we have had a nice bevy of spring snows this year the sun rapidly comes out afterwards and thus with each passing snow comes a quick melt down. On a recent walk we took the time to sit and watch the snow melting over a creek which by the way is better than watching paint dry or water boil especially given the fact that “a watched pot never boils”.

Eye to Eye

On By Mike and Christy72 Comments

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Seeing eye to eye with a Great Horned Owl in the Foothills outside of Denver CO. It is a joy to study the intricate feather colors and variations on these birds. That little horizontal stripe of black feathers in the light brown on this ones ears is truly amazing don’t you think?